The Type RA's other key figure is its price: an eye-watering $49,855, which is $12,900 greater than a base-model STI and $8100 more than the Limited trim level. Somewhat surprisingly, the RA averaged 19 mpg while in our hands, which is 1 mpg better than its combined EPA estimate. The RA's 0.95 g of lateral grip around the skidpad and 156-foot stopping effort from 70 mph were solid results that compared well to previous STIs yet won't raise any eyebrows in the company of competitors such as the 10Best-winning Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R. But similar to what we noticed in our test of the slightly less poky 2018 STI, the RA simply feels down on power and was unable to spin all four of its wheels at launch in the manner we've experienced in previous STI models. It takes work to go quickly in the STI, with the manual's closely spaced ratios necessitating two notchy, time-consuming shifts to reach 60 mph. Applying different launch techniques incorporating slipping the clutch made little difference in the results. That's 0.4 second slower to 60 mph and 0.2 second (and 1 mph) slower through the quarter than the figures recorded for the standard 2018 STI, which itself was notably off the pace of the 4.6- and 13.2-second runs we achieved with a 2015 model. Launched with a brutal clutch drop at the engine's 6700-rpm redline-the most effective way we've found to get high-performance Subarus off the line-the RA needed 5.7 seconds to reach 60 mph and 14 flat to cover the quarter-mile with a trap speed of 101 mph. Yet, while the Type RA may have stormed VIR like no STI before it, its performance at our test track was less impressive. Few Bragging RightsĪll of the weight reductions meant that our 3398-pound test car carried 53 fewer pounds than a non-RA 2018 WRX STI.

Subtle it is not, and we experienced more than a few boxer-engine fanboys in loud, modified WRXs pacing us on the highway to snap a photo of the RA. Paint colors are limited to Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, or our test car's striking WR Blue Pearl. If the gold wheels and the pedestal-mount wing don't bring enough visual wattage to the RA's aesthetic, there's also a new front splitter, red accents on the grille and rear bumper, and a numbered plaque and more red details in the cabin.

2018 subaru wrx short throw shifter